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The 12 Best Mezcals To Add To Your Bar Cart, According To Bartenders

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Mezcal is often lumped in with tequila and considered its smoky little cousin. But it's high time you think of it in a category all its own—I mean, tequila is actually a type of mezcal. The spirit is one of Mexico's oldest traditions, and it's been gaining more and more traction in the United States over the past decade. It's about time mezcal gets the respect it deserves. The full, fruity-meets-smoky flavor is made to be savored, whether you sip it straight or mix it into a cocktail (perhaps in a margarita?).

Our top picks

How we chose these products

Picking a mezcal that will live on your bar cart is a personal choice—there are a lot of brands out there. So we reached out to some folks who have a lot of experience with the spirit—bartenders and bar directors. We asked them about their go-to mezcals, their favorite one is to mix into a cocktail, and how they drink it on the rocks. These are the responses we got, plus a few extras that are our personal faves. The following mezcal brands range in price, so you can definitely find one in your budget. The best way to see what all the hype's about? Taste it for yourself. Here are the best bottles of mezcal to add to your bar cart.

Looking for whiskey or tequila? Check out our picks for the best tequila brands and our guide to all the types of tequila. Then try out our favorite margarita recipes.

1

Del Maguey Vida Mezcal

Del Maguey Vida Mezcal
Credit: Total Wine

When Del Maguey was first released 25 years ago, it was one of the first mezcals to go mainstream in the U.S. It's remained a classic for a reason. The twice-distilled and unblended 100 percent mature agave has a pure, crystal clear taste that drinkers love.

"Del Maguey Vida mezcal is a great introduction to mezcal," said Sek Saraboon, bartender at the Thai restaurant MayRee in New York City. "It is smoky and compliments many different flavors including citrus and agave to create smooth cocktails. I love mixing it with yuzu to create a unique smoky-sour flavor.”

2

Pal'alma Lechuguilla

Pal'alma Lechuguilla

"Pal'alma is the brand that all Connoisseur's will have at home," said Juan Coronado, co-founder of Mijenta Tequila. "They are highly respected in the Mezcal community for its distinctive approaches.”

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3

Rompe Corazon Heartbreaker Reposado

Rompe Corazon Heartbreaker Reposado

"This mezcal from Rompe Corazon has a nice smokiness that is toasty with hints of oak and caramel," said Bobby Leonardo, head bartender at Thai restaurant Wayla in New York City. "[It has] a smooth yet a mild burn in the middle and is a well-balanced reposado mezcal."

4

Union El Viejo Mezcal

Union El Viejo Mezcal

This mezcal uses a high quality agave called Tobala, giving a smoother finish. "I also love the story behind Union Mezcal," said Mia Crusto, general manager of ROOF on the Wit in Chicago. "They source the mezcal from local farmers and micro distilleries and pay them for their products as entrepreneurs, not as employees. It's a small way to show how they value the product and the people over the money and the business.”

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5

Vamonos Riendo Ensamble Mezcal

Vamonos Riendo Ensamble Mezcal

This bottle has been voted double gold and "mezcal distillery of the year" in competitions and uses ingredients harvested form high altitudes. This exposes them to more various temperatures which allow more flavors to come through.

6

Bozal Ensamble Mezcal

Bozal Ensamble Mezcal
Credit: Drizly

If you like your mezcal smoky, but not too smoky, you'll appreciate the taste of this Bozal botttle. The citrus and floral notes provide a natural balance to Bozal's natural smokiness.

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7

El Jolgorio Madrecuixe Mezcal

El Jolgorio Madrecuixe Mezcal
Credit: wine.com

With each bottle hand-labeled with the details of its batch, you can see the love put into this mezcal. "The first thing to hit my palate was notes of guava, barbecued bubblegum, honeycomb, and candy, creating a really complex and satisfying spirit for aperitif or digestif," said Amir Babayoff, bar director at Ophelia in New York City.

8

Montelobos Mezcal Joven

Montelobos Mezcal Joven

While most mezcals are made for sipping, the smooth, crisp flavor of this Montelobos bottle (and the easy-on-the-wallet price point) makes it perfect for cocktails.

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9

Mal Bien Espadin Mezcal

Mal Bien Espadin Mezcal

"With a touch of pine and citrus notes, Mal Bien Mezcal makes a wonderful sipping or cocktail mezcal," said Ted Rink, beverage director of BLVD Steakhouse in Chicago. "This label also works with multiple small production mezcaleros to deliver distinct expressions."

10

El Silencio Espadin Mezcal

El Silencio Espadin Mezcal
Credit: Drizly

With notes of chocolate, fig, prickly pear, and sweet potato, El Silencio's fruity mezcal is nothing if not full-flavored. "Distilled in clay stills, this mezcal leads with tropical notes and finishes with an earthy, almost creme brûlée-like creaminess," said Joey Smith, beverage director at Mediterranean restaurant Zou Zou's in New York City. "It's a delicious spirit to sip on."

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11

Banhez Pechuga Mezcal

Banhez Pechuga Mezcal
Now 75% Off
Credit: Drizly

"The distillation technique [of pechuga-style mezcal] imparts highlighting the fruit aromas, while preserving the agave’s roasted flavors," said Jesse Filkins, beverage director of Chicago-based Bonhomme Hospitality. Raw turkey breast is hung over the copper sills to add a "fatty roundness to the taste and a body to the mezcal that makes it that much more enjoyable."

12

Ilegal Mezcal Joven

Ilegal Mezcal Joven
Credit: Drizly

Legend has it that Ilegal Mezcal founder John Rexer used to dress as a priest to smuggle the good mezcal into the United States from Mexico. And when you taste this bottle's full-bodied agave flavor, you'll be glad that he did.

"It is a delicious un-aged mezcal," said Dylan Cocco, beverage director of neighborhood restaurant Wood in Chicago. "[It's] easy to drink for new entrants to this category as it has a great balance of smokiness, earthiness, and fruity and floral qualities."

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